No new eateries make the list as Michelin announces 2025 Abu Dhabi guide
While no new entrants were announced, current star holders such as 99 Sushi, Talea, Hakkasan, and Erth all retained their one stars
The Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2025 continues to reflect the dynamic culinary landscape of the UAE's capital, showcasing a diverse array of restaurants and eateries that span from fine-dining experiences to more affordable options.
While Michelin’s inspectors decided to uphold the list of established one-star restaurants without new stars for 2025, they have further expanded the Bib Gourmand category. This choice demonstrates a commitment to highlighting affordable, quality dining establishments alongside those offering high-end dining experiences in Abu Dhabi.
Current one-star holders in the capital are 99 Sushi, Talea, Hakkasan, and Erth.
Maintaining these stars is not only a recognition of each restaurant's past accomplishments but also a call to continually deliver outstanding service and cuisine. It indicates that these establishments have not only met but sustained Michelin’s rigorous standards, year after year, making them reliable options for discerning diners and visitors from around the world.
So far, no restaurant in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi has achieved Michelin's highest honor of three stars. This top rating is reserved for establishments that exemplify “superlative cooking,” where every dish transforms into a culinary masterpiece, aiming to become a classic in its own right.
Bib Gourmand: Celebrating quality and affordability
A major highlight of the 2025 guide is the expansion of its Bib Gourmand list, which honors restaurants providing exceptional food at accessible prices. This category is significant because it appeals to a broad spectrum of diners, particularly locals and travelers looking to experience high-quality dining without a luxury price tag.
Mika and Ryba were added to the category, which now features seven restaurants. Long-standing Bib Gourmand restaurants, including Al Mrzab, Almayass, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, and Tazal, retained their positions this year. Meanwhile, Oii, previously in the Bib Gourmand list, has been reassigned to the general Michelin Guide list.
Among the new Bib Gourmand entries are establishments that highlight both local flavors and international influences, showcasing the cosmopolitan nature of the city’s culinary offerings. These restaurants often blend traditional Emirati ingredients with contemporary techniques or fuse different world cuisines to create dishes that reflect the diversity of Abu Dhabi itself.
Find the complete list here.
Abu Dhabi’s culinary evolution
Abu Dhabi's position as a culinary destination is relatively new compared to cities with long-established food scenes. However, in recent years, the city has rapidly developed a reputation for excellence in dining. The Michelin Guide's focus on Abu Dhabi, now in its second year, signifies global recognition of this growth.
This approach not only helps cultivate Abu Dhabi’s reputation but also contributes to a sustainable local food culture by supporting a range of businesses, from fine-dining establishments to family-owned restaurants and cafes. By diversifying its selections, the Michelin Guide is playing a part in the development of a varied and resilient culinary ecosystem in the capital. This inclusion brings greater visibility to restaurants that may not have the same prestige or resources as their fine-dining counterparts but are still integral to the city’s gastronomic identity.
The importance of tradition and innovation
One of the defining features of Abu Dhabi's food scene is its blend of traditional and innovative elements. The Michelin Guide 2025 selections illustrate this balance, with one-star establishments that bring new twists to classic dishes and Bib Gourmand restaurants that offer innovative yet authentic interpretations of local cuisine. This commitment to tradition and creativity mirrors the city itself, which is a blend of rich heritage and forward-thinking development. In Abu Dhabi, diners can find modern takes on age-old recipes, international ingredients sourced locally, and traditional techniques being reinvented for the modern palate.
Moreover, the guide’s selections reveal the influence of Abu Dhabi’s international residents and visitors. The city’s diverse population has resulted in a cross-pollination of flavors and techniques, making the food scene vibrant and eclectic. Abu Dhabi’s chefs are often well-versed in global culinary techniques, infusing dishes with flavors and methods from around the world while staying true to local tastes.
Standout dishes that the infamous anonymous Michelin inspectors loved are:
- Nonna's tiramisu from Mika
- Flamed red mullet, kumquat and tiger milk from 99 Sushi
- Spicy curry prawn lily bulb, almond from Hakkasan
- Luqaimat from Yadoo's House
- Tarte Tatin with sour cream ice cream from Broadway
- Hammour with Emirati spices from ryba
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